All Batman's Theatrical Movies Ranked

(NOTE: This post has been updated from 2022) To tie a neat little bow on my Batman month, here is a quick ranking of all the current theatrical Batman movies, from my own personal feelings of least favorite, to my absolute favorite. Sense I’ve reviewed these movies in full, I’ll keep the explanations short.

#12 Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) 

While there are undeniably worthwhile highlights, this clash between two titan superheroes is unfortunately bogged down by an unfocused narrative, too many dangling plot threads, a noticeable lack of villains, and a formidable length. On that note, the film is better when watching the extended cut, but it's still the Batman movie I like the least. Truthfully, I feel this film could have been a decent sequel to "Man of Steel" or a good Batman origin film, but it just didn't work as a crossover movie.

#11 Batman & Robin (1997) 

What once had character depth and darkly stylish atmosphere is now replaced with childish puns, a bombastic color scheme, and some painfully over the top gimmicks ... and yet ... by sinking to such lows, it somehow achieves it's own highs as one of the greatest terrible movies ever made, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze can be very amusing in his own loony way. I can't defend this movie is any kind of underrated gem, but it I do find it fun to watch ... at least with a group of friends who want to toast a movie.

#10 Batman: The Movie (1966) 

Campy comic book storytelling and silly hummer is taken to an artistic level, although weather you find it appealing or not depends on how much of the silliness makes you smile or cringe. Truthfully, there's not much difference between this film and the TV series, so you have to judge this outing on it's own terms. It's not one of the best, but certainly a charming little Batman offering, and a minor classic in it's own right.

 

#9 Batman Returns (1992) 

While this entry in the Batman cannon struggles with a boring plot, dower tone, and lead hero who gets side-lined in favor of three villains, the film still remains a truly haunting spectacle, is well acted, and offers just enough to appeal to fans. It's easily the misfit of the Batman offerings, as it has the high marks that make it a classic in the Batman cannon, and it features some of the best character performances, but I find the narrative lacking any real momentum, and the enjoyable elements are more surface level, rather than genuinely thrilling. Still, there's a reason fans have a soft spot for this outing, and with all my reservations ... I have my fondness for it too.  

#8 Batman Forever (1995) 

"Batman Forever" may be just a little too loud and bombastic for some viewers, but with just enough kernels of character depth, a talented ensemble cast, and no shortage of eye candy, this is one entertaining comic-book movie that literally leaps from page to screen. Speaking personally, I'll always look back on this one fondly as the most special entry of my childhood ... as it's the very first Batman movie I ever saw, and the one that jumpstarted my fandom for the character in the first place. Obviously, this film is far from perfect, and is far from one the hero's best offerings, but my feelings for this one are still very positive, and it'll always have a place on the characters theatrical totem pole. 

#7 The Batman (2022) 

After a decade of being in the shadows, Batman finally returned to the theater, and this time is putting more focus on being a gritty crime mystery, as opposed to flashy summer action, and adventure. Needless to say, it was a welcome change-up, and delivers the best of both worlds ... its a grounded story, yet complemented with an eye for comic-book flair, and absorbing atmosphere. While it's slow-burning narrative, and grim tone won’t be for everyone, Matt Rives brilliant direction, as well as the strong cast keep things engaging, and the end result is arguably one of the most respectful in capturing the essence of Batman’s source material. 

#6 The Lego Batman Movie (2017) 

Bursting with delightfully colorful mayhem, and no shortage of comedy, “The Lego Batman Movie” celebrates everything that is “BATMAN”, and surprisingly understands the deeper humanity of the hero more than most other incarnations. Maybe it's not an outing for everyone, but for kids, and longtime Batman fans, this film is mandatory to see. It's wildly funny, beautifully animated, full of references, and while it's packed with high energy action, it also has a heart at the center. Honestly, despite being animated and featuring building blocks, it still felt like a real Batman movie in its own right. 

#5 The Dark Knight Rises (2012) 

While some plot details could have been touched up on, Batman's closing arc is still strong, and “Rises” is without a doubt a powerful, action packed, and poignant finale to this epic superhero trilogy.

#4 Batman (1989)  

The story may be second rate, but Tim Burton’s artistic direction, memorable visuals, captivating comic-book atmosphere, and Michal Keaton's performance as the struggling hero make this a great classic of the Superhero genera in it’s own right.

#3 Batman Begins (2005) 

Character driven, expertly crafted, and thrilling to the end, "Batman Begins" brought life back to a franchise that was dead and buried, then suggested a bright new future for one of cinemas most iconic hero’s ... and it absolutely sored as a starting point for one of the great modern trilogies. 

#2 Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) 

A dark and stylish spectacle that combines an effectively Gothic love story along with the hero’s origin, resulting in an exciting action mystery. Throw in a first rate voice cast, the late Shirly Walkers electrifying music score, and this animated picture ultimately succeeds where many live action Batman movies have failed.

#1 The Dark Knight (2008) 

Dark, riveting, compelling, powerfully acted, and unforgettable, "The Dark Knight" takes the comic book genera to immaculate new heights, while infusing it’s thrilling crime story with themes, ideas, morality, and captivating character arcs.

Thanks for reading my countdown ... and continue to enjoy whichever Batman movie you Love!